Level: 7
Course duration: Typically 24 months (practical training and EPA)
Next start date: September 2025
Mode of delivery: Blended Learning (weekly on-campus or online teaching, with self-guided study), and integrated placements in practice area based on module requirements
The Community Nursing Specialist Practitioner Apprenticeship offers employers the opportunity to support community nurses who wish to become Specialist (District Nursing) practitioners. Academic learning and practice are integrated to enable apprentices to develop a foundation of specialist knowledge, professional identity, and the required competencies of a Community Nursing Specialist Practitioner. The programme also includes the independent and supplementary prescribing qualification.
The apprenticeship is mapped to the 7 platforms of Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Community Nursing Specialist Practice and knowledge, skills and behaviours of the Apprenticeship Standard for Community Nursing Specialist Practitioner (Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education).
On successful completion, apprentices achieve a PG Diploma and are eligible for registration by the NMC as a Community Nursing Specialist Practitioner, and an Independent and Supplementary Prescriber.
This apprenticeship is aimed at qualified nurses (NMC Part 1 registrants) who wish to further their career and qualify as a Community Nursing Specialist Practitioner and Independent Prescriber.
It is essential that you have a good understanding of this role before applying. We highly recommend that you make prior contact with your employing NHS Trust, or the one you are applying to through NHS Jobs.
The cost of the Apprenticeship for 2025 entry (drawn down from the monthly employer levy): £14,000 (subject to annual review)
Apprentices must be employed in a suitable role as a Registered Nurse, holding at least one year of experience working as a RN prior to the start date of the programme.
In addition:
as well as:
Functional Skills English and/or Maths can be studied during the apprenticeship if eligible Level 2 qualifications are not already held; however, both must be completed before progression onto the End Point Assessment. It is an employer's discretion whether they may prefer these to be achieved by staff before enrolling on the apprenticeship.
We welcome employers and individuals to contact the Apprenticeships Team by completing the expression of interest form below. Once submitted, we will be in touch to outline your next steps and/or arrange a meeting with the Faculty.
The programme typically takes 24 months and consists of three core modules spanning the themes of clinical care, leadership and management, and facilitating evidence-based practice. There are also two advanced multi-professional modules: Advanced History Taking and Independent Prescribing. The programme is structured to ensure grounding in CNSP (DN) proficiencies is gained before moving on to each of the two advanced modules.
Apprentices study one module each semester. Delivery is blended, with attendance at seminars held in-person at our Headington campuses or online. In addition, learners also have opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills in simulation-based education sessions for all modules.
Theory and practice are integrated throughout. Learners will typically have 2 days ‘off the job’ each week - a combination of University days, private study and protected learning time in their clinical area. Supported by Practice Assessors and Supervisors, learners must achieve a minimum of 120 days protected learning (an NMC requirement) - through a combination of ‘off the job’ when supernumerary and ‘on the job’ when working in the team of their apprenticeship role.
Progress in the workplace is monitored through regular contact between the employer, apprentice and tutors.
Year 1
Year 2
There is an integrated End Point Assessment which means that there are no additional assessments as part of this apprenticeship route.
The final examination board, the oversight of an external examiner and finally informing the NMC of successful completion of this programme are defined as the stages of the EPA.